HMAS Maitland off the coast of Honiara, Solomon Islands, during a maritime surveillance patrol (photo : Aus DoD)
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has decommissioned Armidale Class Patrol Boat HMAS Maitland at a ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin, following 16 years of service.
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, AO, RAN, recognised the service of the Ship’s Company.
“HMAS Maitland and the men and women who have served in her, have made a significant contribution to our national interest,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.
“Through their professionalism and dedication, the crew have protected our nation’s borders and offshore maritime interests from illegal activity such as unauthorised entry and customs breaches, and upheld immigration and drugs legislation.
“Today, we reflect on that contribution while looking to our future.
“Navy will be transitioning to 12 Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, which have much greater range and endurance than the Armidale Class patrol boats,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.
The Arafura Class Vessels will carry three sea boats larger than that of the Armidale Class, significantly increasing our capability and enhancing our capacity to patrol Australia’s maritime territory and near region.
Since commissioning in 2006, HMAS Maitland has worked alongside Border Force, Australian Fisheries and the Australian Federal Police as part of Operation RESOLUTE and been assigned to Operations AUGURY, RAI BALANG, SANDALWOOD and SOLANIA.
HMAS Maitland is named after the City of Maitland in NSW, and the World War II naval training establishment located in Newcastle, NSW. She is the second Armidale Class Patrol Boat to be decommissioned.
(Aus DoD)